It's a Gift!, run by the Woman’s Exchange of Reading, is a non-profit store run by volunteers and a paid manager. We are a volunteer organization governed by a board of directors and assisted by many faithful volunteers.

Our Mission

We have 3 missions: first, to give artisans a place to sell their creations; second, to donate profits to local charities; and third, to fulfill our volunteers’ desire to give back to their community.

Since 1832, the Woman's Exchange movement has been one of the country's oldest, continuously-operating charitable movements. Exchanges, numbering nearly 200 across the country in the 20th century, were fashionable shops where women could sell their home-produced merchandise on consignment. They combined elements of charity, cooperation and retailing. The Woman's Exchange of Reading is one of 20 remaining Exchanges across the country, and we are a member of the National Federation of Woman's Exchanges. Founded in 1966, the Woman's Exchange of Reading is a nonprofit gift shop dedicated to providing a marketplace for local and national artisans. Over the last 50 years, we have grown and expanded; but all items are still carefully selected to maintain the uniqueness of the shop.

Proceeds from our sales, after operating expenses, are donated to local charities. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of our dedicated volunteers, we have been able to contribute to many local charities through the years. Some of the organizations who have benefited in recent years are: Greater Berks Food Bank, Berks Women in Crisis, John Paul II Center, Easter Seals, Reading Public Museum, Mary's Shelter and Kennedy House, just to name a few. This year our charity partner is Breast Cancer Support Services.

Many people believe that we are a second-hand shop, when in fact, we are not! All of our merchandise is new and of top quality.